You have spent the last few dozen months or few years in braces, and now it is finally time to have them removed. It feels strange at first not to have wires and brackets in your mouth, but it is also a relief. However, your smile looks a little different than you imagined. Did your teeth get longer? Actually, this could be gum recession, which is more common following treatment with braces than you might realize.
Gum Recession and Braces
It can be tough to follow the instructions to properly care for your teeth with braces the way your periodontist in , VA, instructed you to. Sometimes, the buildup of bacteria or food particles can lead to the effects of gum disease, including receding gums. Longer looking teeth are one of the signs of a receding gum line.
Treatment Options Are Available
The good news is that there are treatment options for receding gums. Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche and the staff at Nova Perio Specialists offer a variety of services to restore your gum line:
- Tissue Graft – Dr. Kharmouche can take tissue from another part of the mouth and attach it to the gum line. The tissue is often taken from the roof of the mouth.
- Tissue Regeneration – This involves placing a regenerative material into a gum pocket. The material encourages the gum tissue to regenerate.
- Pocket Reduction – Dr. Kharmouche treats the pockets that tend to form around the teeth, collecting bacteria. These need to be thoroughly cleaned before the gums can be repositioned.
Follow-up Appointments Are Important
Many of our treatments are less invasive than traditional methods, but it is still important to keep your follow-up appointments following any procedure. This will help Dr. Kharmouche and our staff ensure the gums are staying clean and healing, as well as to detect early on if there are any worsening issues.
Call Us Today
If your teeth look longer following removal of your braces, you may need treatment for gum recession. Contact our office today to schedule a visit with Dr. Kharmouche.
